Xia Manxi could not take her nap after all.
Liang Meirong kept engaging her, and she could not possibly just sleep. It would have been rude. Not to mention Liang Meirong herself was not bad company. Her conscience would not allow her to brush her off. She could only hope that Liang Meirong herself got tired.
That eventually did not happen. The bus stopped in front of a beautiful Chinese style building on the outskirts of Q City, and Liang Meirong looked as energetic as ever.
She could have said she had a headache….so much for a nice nap.
Everyone proceeded to get off the bus, and Liang Meirong moved to hold Xia Manxi's hand as they walked out. Xia Manxi subtly avoided, pretending not to notice what happened. Liang Meirong said nothing as well.
Just as she was about to follow everyone else, Liang Meirong rushed up to her.
"Hey, can you keep me company? It seems Aunty Shen and Sun Lanshan have not arrived yet. Can you help me prepare for my speech?"
Xia Manxi looked at the other employees, who had already made it to the entrance and sighed.
Liang Meirong nervously clasped her hands. "The last time I made a public speech, I embarrassed myself. I am a bit jittery, that's why I don't want to be alone. Just keep me company. Please?"
Xia Manxi pursed her lips. There was no way she could refuse now, was there?
Finally, she smiled. "Alright, I will keep you company. You don't need to worry about it."
Liang Meirong looked relieved, tightening her hold on Xia Manxi's hands. "Thanks."
Xia Manxi nodded, and followed behind Liang Meirong as someone led them to a private area.
Liang Meirong immediately dashed towards the closest vanity table and stared at her face.
"Oh, I am so nervous! Does my makeup look alright?" Liang Meirong asked, patting her face.
Xia Manxi walked towards where she was sitting, standing behind her. Liang Meirong's pouty expression was visible though the mirror, along with her own face.
Xia Manxi chuckled. "I don't know what you are so worried about, you have always been so pretty."
Liang Meirong's cheeks turned red. "Thanks. I just want to be taken seriously, that's all."
"Who wouldn't take you seriously?"
"Liang Meirong looked down. "It was suppressed immediately after, but after my speech when the foundation was inaugurated, I was criticized for being tone deaf and out of touch with reality, and that I was just doing it to maintain a good image."
Xia Manxi asked neutrally. "Why were those claims made?"
"I wanted to look more approachable, so I chose soft colors for the event. It made me appear childlike, as I usually don't dress like that, and a video of me slipping while playing with some children also came out."
Xia Manxi nodded thoughtfully. "So your intentions were twisted, and you're scared of something like that again?"
Liang Meirong nodded.
"We can only try to be very careful in that case, but I promise to look out for you, alright?"
Liang Meirong nodded and breathed in, looking at her speech from her tablet quietly.
Xia Manxi went to sit on one of the couches, wondering whether she could close her eyes for a bit. Liang Meirong spoke again before she could make a decision.
Liang Meirong nodded. She then suddenly turned her head to Xia Manxi. What about you? Why don't you touch up your makeup, or fix your hair? I could help you!"
"No thanks, I don't want it to look like I am getting preferential treatment."
The powder room was only reserved for Liang Meirong, Sun Lanshan and Madam Shen. She was originally hesitant to follow Liang Meirong for this particular reason, but Liang Meirong had insisted.
Liang Meirong rolled her eyes. "No matter. Wouldn't anyone want the same? Why does it become wrong when one person gets it?"
"…."
Xia Manxi smiled wryly. It sounded smart in theory, but collapsed like a sandcastle in practice. It was not nice when everyone turned on one person, especially when they eventually fall out of favour. That explanation would only anger them further somehow.
Looking at her reluctant expression, Liang Meirong looked disappointed.
"At least just-
Her words were cut short, and the powder room's door opened. They both turned, and Shen Xiaofei entered with Sun Lanshan, who was holding Shen Xiaofei's coat.
"Auntie Shen!"
"Now, now dear relax. We saw each other this morning. How is everything going?" Shen Xiaofei asked with a gentle smile.
"It's great, I am still getting ready."
Sun Lanshan chuckled. "What else, Meirong? It's just a speech. I don't understand what there is to be nervous about. You just need to look simple and mature, and no one will have fault with you."
Liang Meirong visibly slumped, with a lowered head. Moments later she lifted her gaze to the mirror, then nodded with a smile. "It will be fine."
"You should believe it if you are going to say it." Xia Manxi added.
Sun Lanshan raised her eyebrows. "Shouldn't you be outside helping the others organize?"
"I was the one who insisted she come with me." Liang Meirong interrupted.
Sun Lanshan clicked her tongue. "The actual employees work, while the intern who is supposed to follow in their footsteps stays up with the bosses, cozying up."
"It's not-
"Lanshan, stop this. This is a very inappropriate thing for you to say here." Shen Xiaofei rebutted, causing Liang Meirong to relax.
Sun Lanshan took a deep breath, but said nothing more, just looking at Xia Manxi with a neutral expression.
At this point, Xia Manxi was supposed to apologize for causing the conflict and offer to leave, but she was unwilling to. She drew a breath.
"I am sorry for the misunderstanding. I was made to understand that I am Miss Liang's direct assistant even though I am an intern. I am supposed to follow direct orders from her, unless she has no authority to do so."
"What do you mean she has no authority? She is my second in command." Shen Xiaofei stated solemnly.
Xia Manxi lowered her head. "Then there should be no problem with me being here, no matter what others would say. I barely ever work with them. My main duties since I started have been to help Miss Liang."
She Xiaofei dismissively waved her hand. "This should not be an issue at all to start with. It seems Sun Lanshan is on edge as well." Shen Xiaofei said with a smile.
"I don't see why Miss Sun would be nervous about anything. She looks so simple and mature, there should be no problem with anyone." Xia Manxi replied with a smile.
Sun Lanshan's expression hardened as she stared at her, but Xia Manxi turned away from her, turning her focus to Liang Meirong. However at the corner of her eyes, she felt Sun Lanshan's piercing gaze.
Oh, if looks could kill.
'Too bad they didn't.' Xia Manxi mused with a small smile.
"I should go, so you guys can chat." She whispered in Liang Meirong's ear. Liang Meirong smiled and nodded.
She then bowed politely. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."
Shen Xiaofei acknowledged her request, and she left the powder room.
It was time to flee the scene.